Cross Country Preseason Countdown: #15

The countdown to cross country season kicks off with a pair of private schools, including the 1-2 punch of Fiedler and Jordan.

 

As we approach the start of official NCHSAA cross country practices on July 30th, NCRunners will count down the top 15 teams in our Preseason All-Classes Team Rankings.  The list began with the returning 5000 rankings from the 2011 cross country season, and then modifications were made based on improvements during the spring track season, runners lost, and recent program history.  Bonus consideration was given to teams with tight packs (at least 3 of the top 5 within 30 seconds of each other) and front runners (under 16 minutes for boys, under 18:45 for girls).  Subscribers can view the statistics that were used in the rankings process:

 

 

Returning 5000 Team Rankings

Boys  |  Girls

 

Returning 3200 Team Rankings

Boys  |  Girls

 

Returning 1600 Team Rankings

Boys  |  Girls

 

 

Boys Preseason #15 Team: Asheville School

A very strong spring season should have this private school eyeing a state championship this fall.  Led by Ben Fiedler, who has the #2 returning time in the state, the Blues will also benefit from the dramatic improvement of Paul Jordan this spring (9:39 for a full two miles).  In fact, their whole team showed strong development during track season, as they ranked third in the state for the team 3200 (when scored cross country style).  Factoring in Will Campbell (10:13) and Robert Cook (10:36), that gives the Asheville School a strong front four, plus two candidates to fill the #5 slot.  The team has good championship experience, as well, having finished third in the NCISAA 3A state meet last year and losing only their #3 runner from that squad.  Depth could be a concern if there are any injuries, but if the returning top 6 got in a good summer of training this could be a top-10 team by the end of the season.

 

  Asheville School  
  1) Ben Fiedler   15:38.93 1
  2) Paul Jordan   16:17.98 24
  3) Brett Somogye   17:10.33 169
  4) Robert Cook   17:14.32 182
  5) Otto Putzrath   17:46.55 353
  Average Time: 16:49.62 -- Total Time: 1:24:08.11 -- 1-5 Split: 2:07.62
  6) Tyler Somogye   17:48.96 362
  7) Eli Abernethy   18:31.54 619

 

 

Girls Preseason #15 Team: Charlotte Latin

After graduation losses in 2011 that could have been devastating, Charlotte Latin proved that their girls' program can last: they finished second in the NCISAA 3A state meet, losing by only one point in their quest for a fifth consecutive team title.  This year's losses (#4 and #7 graduated) are much easier to absorb, and the returning team could be eager to return to the top of the podium this fall.  Led by the nearly-even 1-2 punch of Tricia Murphy and Laura Gill, the Hawks also had a solid spring, with their top 5 milers ranking 13th in the state with an average of 5:45.  Katie McDowell, in particular, showed that she is ready to join her two fastest teammates, running 5:36 and 12:15 (best 3200 on the team).  If Addy Collette joins the team this fall, that could bolster their depth substantially; that could be critical, as lack of depth is definitely this team's weakness.  If they stay healthy, though, Charlotte Latin is the early favorite for the NCISAA 3A title.

 

  Charlotte Latin  
  1) Tricia Murphy   19:45.19 94
  2) Laura Gill   19:48.54 100
  3) Katie Mcdowell   20:03.78 134
  4) Hannah Smith   20:09.96 150
  5) Sophie Lovett   20:43.74 234
  Average Time: 20:06.24 -- Total Time: 1:40:31.21 -- 1-5 Split: 58.55
  6) Caroline Beuley   22:03.00 533
  7) Lea Kokenes   22:26.00 629